Antarctica

Polar Circle Quest

12 Days aboard St. Helena. From AUD $17,156pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
Details

Overview

Embark on an expedition cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula, beyond the Polar Circle, and the South Shetland Islands, filled with thrilling adventure activities.

Aboard the St Helena, discover the untouched beauty and exhilarating challenges of the White Continent. This 12-day voyage promises stunning landscapes, exceptional wildlife encounters, and the chance to dive into adventure with activities such as kayaking, snowshoeing, and zodiac cruises.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Begin your expedition in Ushuaia, sailing through scenic channels as your Antarctic adventure kicks off.
  • Cross the wildlife-rich Drake Passage with chances to spot seabirds, whales, and attend expert-led lectures.
  • Explore Antarctica’s ice-choked channels, encounter penguins and seals, and venture below the Polar Circle.

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina
  • Day 2 and 3: Crossing the Drake Passage
  • Day 4 to 9: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula & Venturing below the Antarctica Circle
  • Day 10 and 11: Crossing the Drake Passage
  • Day 12: Ushuaia, Argentina

This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.

Ship Information

For more information on the St. Helena please view the ship page.

View St. Helena

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

Board your ship in the afternoon and meet your expert expedition team and lecturers. After settling into your cabin, the ship sets sail through the Beagle Channel and Mackinlay Pass. Take in the breathtaking scenery of rugged coastlines and sea cliffs as your Antarctic adventure begins.

Dinner included.

Day 2 and 3: Crossing the Drake Passage

Cross the legendary Drake Passage, named after Sir Francis Drake. This biologically rich region, where cold polar waters meet warmer currents, supports a thriving ecosystem that attracts seabirds such as albatrosses, petrels, and shearwaters.

Take advantage of your ship’s open bridge policy, joining the officers to learn about navigation, scan for whales, or simply enjoy the vast horizon. Meanwhile, the lecture team will share insights into Antarctica’s history, geology, and wildlife.

By Day 3, the first sight of the South Shetland Islands will appear—remote islets first discovered in 1819 by Captain William Smith. Weather permitting, you may step ashore for your first encounters with penguins and seals.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 4 to 9: Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula & Venturing below the Antarctica Circle

Explore the wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, where towering icebergs, pristine glaciers, and dramatic landscapes define the ultimate polar wilderness.

Adventure Highlights:

Kayaking: Paddle through serene, icy waters, surrounded by sculpted icebergs, curious seals, and diving penguins.
Snowshoeing: Trek across snowy ridges and glacial terrains to reach stunning viewpoints.
Zodiac Cruises: Navigate ice-filled waters for close-up views of wildlife and ice formations.

Scenic Waterways:
Sail through some of Antarctica’s most iconic passages, such as the Gerlache Strait, Errera Channel, and Lemaire Channel, often referred to as the "Kodak Gap" for its spectacular scenery.

With over 500 diverse landing sites along the Antarctic Peninsula, no two voyages are ever the same. Our expert team crafts each expedition based on conditions, weather, and opportunities for the most remarkable encounters. As passenger vessel traffic has increased in recent years, competition for landing sites has intensified—but our deep knowledge of this pristine region ensures you’ll embark on true exploratory journeys, venturing beyond the crowds.

Guided by our experienced crew, you’ll navigate breathtaking ice-choked channels, witness towering glaciers, and encounter extraordinary wildlife in one of the most remote places on Earth. This is not just a cruise—it’s a genuine expedition where spontaneity and discovery define every day.

Join us for an adventure where the unknown awaits, and every landing is a moment of exploration.

Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled by close encounters with Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap Penguins, as well as crabeater, Weddell, and leopard seals. Keep an eye out for Minke, humpback, and orca whales feeding in the nutrient-rich waters. This journey sets the compass south, aiming for the elusive Polar Circle – a true expedition for explorers.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 10 and 11: Crossing the Drake Passage

Say goodbye to the icy wilderness as we embark on our return journey across the Drake Passage. Reflect on the incredible sights and adventures of the past days. Attend final lectures and workshops or unwind on deck, keeping an eye out for seabirds and marine life. Conclude your Antarctic expedition with a farewell dinner on the final evening.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 12: Ushuaia, Argentina

Arrive back in Ushuaia early in the morning. After breakfast, disembark your ship, taking with you memories of an unforgettable journey to the southernmost corners of the Earth.

This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.

Breakfast included.

Next Departure Date: 14 Feb 2027
DatesCabinFromAdditional
14 Feb 2027 - 25 Feb 2027 AUD$17156ppExpand to view prices
Discovery Quad CabinAUD$17156ppContact us
Discovery Triple CabinAUD$18609ppContact us
Odyssey Single CabinAUD$20531ppContact us
Odyssey Twin CabinAUD$20531ppContact us
Superior CabinAUD$22266ppContact us
Deluxe CabinAUD$24984ppContact us
Premium CabinAUD$27297ppContact us
Owner's SuiteAUD$29875ppContact us

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Cabin Details

Discovery Quad Cabin

The Quad Cabins located on Deck “A” measure approximately 14 square metres (150 sqft)* and feature a desk, a window, two bunk beds (pullman style) and en-suite bathroom.

Discovery Quad Cabin
Discovery Quad Cabin
Discovery Triple Cabin

The Triple Cabins located on Deck “A” measure approximately 14 square metres (150 sqft)* and feature a desk, a window, a bunk (pullman style) and one single bed and en-suite bathroom.

Discovery Triple Cabin
Discovery Triple Cabin
Odyssey Twin Cabin

The Odyssey Twin Cabins located on Decks “A” and “B” measure approximately 10 square metres (107 sqft)* and feature a desk, a window, one bunk bed (pullman style) and an en-suite bathroom.

Odyssey Twin Cabin
Odyssey Twin Cabin
Odyssey Single Cabin

The Odyssey Single Cabins located on the Boat Deck measure approximately 8 square metres (85 sqft)* and feature a desk, a window, an en-suite bathroom and one single bed.

Odyssey Single Cabin
Odyssey Single Cabin
Superior Cabin

The Superior Cabins located on Decks “A” and “B” measure approximately 14 - 16 square metres (150 sqft)* and feature a desk, a window, two single beds and an en-suite bathroom. Superior Cabins on deck B feature a slightly larger size and a sofa bed and porthole (instead of window).

Superior Cabin
Superior Cabin
Deluxe Cabin

The Deluxe Cabins located on the Promenade Deck measure approximately 15 square metres (162 sqft)* and feature a desk, a window, an en-suite bathroom and one double (King-sized) or two single beds.

Bedding Configurations:

• P1 - Double/Two Single
• P2 - Double/Two Single
• P3 - Double/Two Single
• P5 - Two Single
• P6 - Two Single
• P8 - Double/Two Single
• P9 - Double/Two Single
• P10 - Double/Two Single

Deluxe Cabin
Deluxe Cabin
Premium Cabin

The Premium Cabins located on the Promenade Deck measure approximately 18 square metres (194 sqft)* and feature a desk, a window, an en-suite bathroom and one double (King-sized) or two single beds.

Bedding Configurations:

• P4 - Double
• P7 - Double
• P14 - Quad

Premium Cabin
Premium Cabin
Owner's Suite

The spacious Owner’s Suites located on the Boat Deck measure approximately 40 square metres (430 sqft)* and feature a seating area, a meeting area, en-suite bathroom, walk in closet and one double (King-sized) bed.

Owner's Suite
Owner's Suite

St. Helena Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

  • Passenger capacity: 150 but capped at 98 guests
  • Length: 105 metres / 344 ft
  • Beam: 19.2 metres / 63 ft
  • Gross Tonnage: 6,767 gt
  • Speed (Cruising): 14 kn / 26 km/h / 16 mph
  • Crew & Staff: 81
  • Passenger Capacity: Although the ship is designed to accommodate up to 150 passengers, we deliberately limit our voyages to an average of just 98 guests for a more intimate, sustainable experience
  • Zodiacs & RIBs: 12
  • Electrical Outlet: 110 V, 60 Hz
  • Refurbished: 2022 – Comprehensive interior upgrade, engine rebuild and modern navigation systems
  • Year of Build: 1989 - United Kingdom
  • Classification:
    Comfort Class Expedition Vessel
    Ice Class 1C (Polar Code)
  • Flag: United Kingdom

What's included?

  • Accommodation: Fully serviced cabins.
  • Meals: Daily meals, snacks, tea, coffee, and house beer, soda, and wine during lunch and dinner.
  • Shore Excursions: Guided walks, daily shore excursions, and Zodiac cruises.
  • Adventure Activities: Kayaking, Snowshoeing, Camping, Yoga (Subject to weather and operational conditions)
  • Expedition Team: Led by experienced guides.
  • Lectures: Educational talks and expert guiding services.
  • Expedition Equipment: Loaned muck boots and access to the onboard doctor and medical clinic.
  • Pre-departure Info: Comprehensive materials and an Antarctic booklet.
  • Port Fees: Includes port surcharges, permits, and landing fees.
  • Wi-Fi: Basic Wi-Fi complimentary; upgrades available for a fee.
  • Crew Tips/ Gratuities

What's not?

  • Any items not mentioned as included.

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Antarctica

On any cruise to Antarctica you can expect to experience a wide variety of landscapes, unprecedented wildlife viewing opportunities and a healthy mix of historic landing sites. Be astounded by the sensory overload of the huge amount of ice-bergs, glaciers, high mountains and the abundant and tame wildlife.

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

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Polar Circle Quest

12 Days aboard St. Helena. From AUD $17,156pp.